Clinical Applications: Allergy Testing Online Training

Welcome to Why allergy testing, an introduction to allergic disease, testing and treatment options. This course reviews how allergy can progress to asthma, through a process termed The Allergy March. Select Next to continue. Overview provided by: Connie Mardis Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics   Select Next to continue. Eczema GI disorders Otitis media Allergic rhinitis Asthma Adult asthma As many as 40% of infants with atopic dermatitis may become asthmatic by age 4 Sasai K, et al. J Periatr. 1996;128:834-40   It is estimated that 79% of children with otitis media have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis   ETAC™ Study Group Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 1998;9:116-24   The Allergy March Allergy statistics Allergy definition & symptoms Common allergens Allergy testing methods Allergy treatment Select Next to continue. Allergy-like symptoms 30% Patients in primary care setting 8.4 million visits annually What accounts for 25% of all Emergency Room visits each year in the US? Asthma Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology 17 million sufferers   14 deaths daily   1 in 20 have asthma   Additional allergies   Develop asthma   100% increase 160% increase Source: The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy Select Next to continue.   Allergic Shiners: Dark, bruise-like shadows under eyes Dennie's Lines: Wrinkling, lines on lids and under eyes Allergic Salute: Pushing up on nose to open airway Nasal Crease: Appears as line/indent, transverse across nose Chapping: Around the nose and mouth Allergic rhinitis Conjunctivitis GI disorders Atopic dermatitis Asthma Anaphylaxis Food Molds Trees Grasses Weeds Insects Dust Pets Medications   In vivo In vitro Allergy specific history & physical In-vitro allergy testing How does immunotherapy desensitization work? Physician visit including history, physical, diagnostic test Results confirm a specific allergen Non-food allergies treated with immunotherapy to desensitize the patient to inhalant allergens Select Next to continue. Source: Des Roches et al JACI 1997   Source: Johnstone DE Pediatrics 1968 Select Next to continue. Experts analyzed 24 studies involving more than 900 asthmatics with documented allergies. Allergy shots were found effective in treating allergic asthma in a majority (71%) of the studies. The treatment resulted in: reduced symptoms reduced need for medications reduced lung inflammation improved lung function Select Next to continue.   Better outcomes No side effects Specific One sample, multiple results Action: Introduction of a children’s book to clinical  laboratories and physician communities Purpose: Educate children and parents about the diagnosis and management of allergies Select Next to continue.